Zechariah 11:17

Balinese

Zechariah 11:17 — Balinese

Pangangone ane tan paguna ento suba kena sengkala. Ia suba ngutang ingon-ingonne. Kawisesannyane makejang lakar sirna di pasiatan. Limannyane lakar kepek muah matannyane tengawan lakar buta.”

What Does This Mean?

This verse is a warning from God to selfish leaders who abandon their people. It says these leaders will face punishment, symbolized by being struck in the arm and eye, leaving them weak and blind.

Explained for Children

Imagine a shepherd who doesn't take care of his sheep and runs away when danger comes. This verse is like saying, 'Bad shepherd! You'll get hurt for not taking care of your animals!'

Historical Background

Zechariah wrote this prophecy around 520-518 BCE to the returning exiles from Babylon. The audience was a community rebuilding after exile, with concerns about leadership and divine judgment.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, think of a boss who leaves their team during tough times. This verse suggests that such leaders will suffer consequences for their abandonment and lack of responsibility.

Topics

• leadership
• judgment
• prophesy
• shepherding
• consequences
• responsibility

Related Verses

• Ezekiel 34:1-10
• Jeremiah 23:1-4
• Matthew 7:15-20
• John 10:11-16
• Hebrews 13:17

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in this verse?

The speaker here is God, through the prophet Zechariah, warning about the consequences that will come to leaders who abandon their people.

Why are the arm and eye specifically mentioned for punishment?

The arm represents strength and action, while the eye represents vision or insight. The imagery suggests a leader losing both their ability to act and their foresight or judgment.

What does it mean to be an 'idol shepherd'?

An 'idol shepherd' refers to someone who leads others not for God’s sake but for personal gain, like a false idol that only serves itself rather than serving its people or God.

Can you give an example of this verse in action today?

A CEO who neglects their company's well-being during economic downturns and prioritizes short-term profits over long-term stability could face severe repercussions, similar to the message conveyed by Zechariah.